Today we’d like to introduce you to Jehvah Williams.
Hi Jehvah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Chunky Knit Corner, formerly known as Because I Love You Crafts and Beyond, started very small and simple.
Hi, I’m Jehvah, the CEO and creator behind Chunky Knit Corner. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I left my family, friends, and career back home in the Philippines to move to the U.S. and marry the love of my life. With all the big changes that came with this move, life in America was often hard and, at times, lonely. I needed something to keep me grounded at home.
I had learned how to crochet back in elementary school, so I picked it up again and started a small crochet business. Not long after, I developed an interest in sewing and opened another small business for that. But after giving birth to my son, I found it difficult to sew while being unable to hear him over the sound of the sewing machine.
One day, while shopping at Michaels, I discovered the softest, chunkiest yarn – jumbo size 7 chenille yarn. I was immediately drawn to it and started learning how to handknit a blanket. After a few tries, I posted a photo of my work in a moms’ group. At that time, hand-knitting wasn’t very common, so people were amazed by how soft and chunky it looked. I started receiving orders for blankets, pillows, and pet beds. That’s when I realized that through my creations, I could bring comfort, love, and joy to others.
That became the mission of what was then BILY (Because I Love You Crafts and Beyond), now rebranded as Chunky Knit Corner (CKC). The reason for the rebrand was simple: it’s shorter, still cute, and honestly, works well across platforms.
My first market was at a preschool. I had no tent, no displays, I just a borrowed table and rack, and fewer than 30 items. But it was a success and gave me the confidence to keep going. I also love that I get to inspire other people through my work.
One summer in Texas, I realized people weren’t too interested in buying blankets. Around the same time, for our wedding anniversary, I decided to design and make a lion plushie for my husband as a gift. That’s when my plushie-designing journey began.
I fell in love with designing plushies, and thankfully, others loved them too. I started focusing on plushies and only made blankets by request. After creating and selling many plushies at markets, I built the confidence to create video tutorials. I wanted to help others especially stay-at-home moms like me and beginners to learn how to handknit plushies even with no prior experience, and discover a rewarding craft that could also become a small business.
Eventually, I launched my first PDF pattern with a video tutorial and opened an Etsy shop. At the time, I couldn’t find a guide on how to write a hand-knit pattern, so I made my own. I even created my own hand-knitting terms, borrowing a few from traditional crochet and knitting.
Now, my patterns and tutorials are the heart of my business. Many people have learned to hand-knit through them and some even started their own businesses or became plushie designers too. Designing brings me a different level of joy.
Today, Chunky Knit Corner not only offers high-quality chunky knit plushies, patterns, and tutorials, but also premium chenille yarns, DIY kits, custom tags, and more.
I truly believe that Chunky Knit Corner is where it is today first and foremost because of God. He gave me this talent and called me to use it to bless others, to spread love, comfort, and joy to those who need it.
Secondly, I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my husband and son. Rain or shine, summer or winter, the three of us show up together at every market, greeting each customer with smiles. And yes, my now 4-year-old son is my Quality Control Officer! He inspires me daily and tells me what plushie to make next. He’s been doing a fantastic job from the very start, truly the best!
And finally, it’s because of my customers, the people who appreciate handmade work, who’ve supported us and continue to support us. When I feel down or start doubting myself, I go back to their stories and read their feedback. It reminds me why I do what I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not smooth, but every challenge taught me something valuable.
Finances were tight in the beginning. Chunky yarn is expensive, so most of the money I made went right back into the business. If I earned $200, $150 was reinvested and $50 went to bills. It was a constant cycle of faith and patience, believing that every little gain could become something bigger.
Balancing my time was (and still is) another big hurdle. Being a mom, a wife, and a business owner isn’t easy. I’ve learned to prioritize and manage my time better, but I’m still figuring it out every day.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process and to believe that God has a purpose even when we don’t see it. As one of my favorite Christian songs says, “Even when we don’t see it, He’s working. Even when we don’t feel it, He’s working.”
A lot has happened in my life, and handknitting has been a source of healing and joy. It’s more than a craft to me. It’s a reminder of my purpose.
Through handknitting, I’ve found peace, joy, comfort, and a deep sense of meaning. This mission has always been the heart of my business, and it remains the same today. I want to share that peace, joy, and comfort with others through my products.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Chunky Knit Corner, I specialize in designing and creating chunky handknit plushies, patterns, and tutorials using jumbo chenille yarn. What started as a creative outlet during a season of transition has grown into a brand that empowers others to find joy, healing, and even income through a rewarding craft.
I’m most known for my original handknit plushie patterns and easy-to-follow video tutorials. Since handknitting plushies isn’t very common, I created my own terminology and pattern-writing format to help beginners learn with confidence. I’m proud to say that my patterns and tutorials have helped many people learn a new skill, start small businesses, and express themselves creatively.
What sets me apart is my personal approach. I design from the heart and with purpose. Every plushie I make and pattern I create is inspired by real stories, my son’s ideas, customer feedback, or moments in life that spark joy or comfort. I also believe in showing up as my full self Filipina, mom, wife, creator, teacher and letting that authenticity connect me with my community. I’m also a hustler who strives to excel in everything I do, constantly pushing myself to grow, improve, and expand my business.
At markets and shows especially around Austin and nearby cities, I’m often the only chunky handknit vendor there, which makes Chunky Knit Corner stand out even more. Over time, people have come to recognize and trust my brand, and many return to find me specifically when they’re looking for a unique, chunky hand-knit plushie.
I’m also incredibly proud of the fact that I get to inspire younger generations. Through my work and the tutorials I share, I hope to spark creativity, passion, and determination in those who follow my journey.
Ultimately, what I’m most proud of is seeing others succeed using the tools I’ve created. Knowing that someone made their first sale, found a creative passion, or felt less alone because of my work means everything to me.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the most important quality to my success is grit. The ability to push through challenges and keep going even when things get tough. But alongside that, knowing your “why”, the deeper purpose behind what you do is crucial. It’s what keeps me motivated, especially during the more difficult times.
Another key quality is resilience. Being able to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new circumstances has helped me grow, both personally and professionally. Staying open to learning and evolving has allowed me to remain connected with my community and relevant in my field.
And finally, passion. When you truly love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. That passion and enthusiasm are contagious, they fuel everything I do and help me continue to move forward with purpose and joy.
Because of these values – grit, resilience, and passion, not only has my business grown, but our family has too. We were able to purchase our first home, one we truly love and feel so grateful for. It’s a space that brings us peace and joy, and we get to enjoy everyday life together while still hustling.
Most importantly, we’ve been able to build a life that allows us to invest not only in our business but also in our family’s future.
Now, I’m also proud to say I have a small but mighty team that I get to take care of. And one of the things closest to my heart because of this business, I’ve been able to help support my sister back home, and now she’s finally graduating in college!
It’s a full-circle moment that reminds me why I do what I do. I’m beyond grateful for this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chunkyknitcorner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chunkyknitcorner?igsh=aXRxZnh1YTQ2Zmxm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BcSHcdxCk/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chunkyknitcorner?si=xa0f6r3L50JWrFMv
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/c/ChunkyKnitCorner
Image Credits
@crownedbyck
